Tennis Basics
Everything you need to know to get started with tennis — from rules and scoring to essential strokes.
Tennis Rules & Scoring
Tennis has a unique scoring system. Here's how it works.
Love
0 points
15
1st point won
30
2nd point won
40
3rd point won
Deuce
Score is tied at 40-40
Advantage
Player leads by one point after deuce
Game
Won by first to 4 points with 2-point lead
Set
Won by first to 6 games with 2-game lead
Match
Usually best of 3 sets
Basic Rules
- • The server alternates sides after each point, starting from the right
- • The ball must land in the correct service box on the serve
- • Each player gets two serves per point
- • The ball can only bounce once before being returned
- • A ball landing on the line is considered "in"
- • Players switch ends after every odd-numbered game
